Group Physiopathology of the Cytoskeleton

​Understand the intrinsic properties of microtubules, one of the constituents of the cytoskeleton, and their effectors; analyze their functions in the organization and operating of the central nervous system.

The group "Physiopathology of the Cytoskeleton" investigates cytoskeletal microtubules, a major component of neuronal cells. Hundreds of effectors influence the microtubules' structure or function in various neuronal processes,
e.g. proliferation of neuronal progenitors, neuronal differentiation, neuronal network maturation, synaptic plasticity, etc. Our team focuses more specifically on Microtubule-Associated Proteins of the MAP6 family on the one hand and enzymes that modify the C-terminal amino acid of tubulins (tyrosination/detyrosination cycle).

These microtubular effectors are studied at various levels in the group "Physiopathology of the Cytoskeleton", from structure to whole organisms, in order to understand the various levels of microtubules' regulation:

• Tubulin: characterize the importance of specific C-terminal amino acids in the assembly of tubulin dimers, the formation of microtubules and their function in the yeast.

• Tubulin-modifying enzymes: Describe the physiological impact of post-translational modifications of tubulin, such as C-terminal tyrosination / detyrosination of alpha-tubulin, on neuronal differentiation and neuronal plasticity in the adult.

• Regulation of microtubules' dynamics
in vitro: Analyze how MAP6 proteins and their partners influence the dynamic properties of microtubules and actin, in cell-free systems.

• Neuronal differentiation and microtubule-associated protein 6 (MAP6): Understand the contribution of these proteins and their partners in neuronal development and synaptic connectivity.

• Development of neuronal networks and defective neuronal connectivity: Study the anatomical and physiological consequences of the absence of specific MAPs in model mice.

Browse the site

Alternative and Atomic Energies Agency

CEA is a French government-funded technological research organisation in four main areas: low-carbon energies, defense and security, information technologies and health technologies. A prominent player in the European Research Area, it is involved in setting up collaborative projects with many partners around the world.